Reseña de álbum

With five A-list horn players — Chris Potter on tenor and soprano saxophones, Antonio Hart on alto sax and flute, Gary Smulyan on baritone sax, Alex Sipiagin on trumpet and flügelhorn, and Robin Eubanks on trombone — on board, and anchoring supplied by Dave Holland's bass, Nate Smith's drums, and Steve Nelson's marimba and vibes, there's a lot of swing residing within these grooves. There is also empathy to spare. Pathways, recorded live at New York's Birdland and the first release by the Holland Octet, is tightly woven, devoid of bloat, and constantly in motion. Holland, in his multi-decade career, has worked within every conceivable format, and he smartly positions the octet precisely where it should be by definition, midway between the standard small-group configuration and the all-bases-covered grandness of a big band. The arrangements often seem larger than life while simultaneously feeling succinct, and every solo — not the least of which are Holland's own masterful excursions — is carefully considered and masterfully executed. The album's seven tracks are all written by bandmembers — five by Holland, one each by Sipiagin and Potter — and two of Holland's, "Shadow Dance" and "How's Never?" (both of which he's recorded before), are the longest of the show, allowing for multiple shifts in mood, tempo, and color. Holland uses those pieces, in particular, as launching pads for dynamic solo exhibits and inspired duets, but in the end it's not the dexterity of the individuals that impresses most, but rather the groupthink of the ensemble.

Reseñas de clientes

Captures excitement of live show

por
songwriterfan

This is a terrific record. It captures the energy and excitement of a live performance by any of the iterations of Dave Holland's Quintet/Sextet/Octet. I think this Octet record is even better than the ECM Dave Holland Big Band record of several years back - the band sounds looser and the writing is great. Hope to see them tour sometime soon.

BobTheDrummer

por
Bobdrum

Dave Holland is always entertaining. I liked his last album and this is even better. Well recorded and all instruments being heard from the musicians point of view.

Pathways

por
dr. awsome

I had been anticipating this album for a while now, I had enormously high expectations for it. It met my expectations. The octet format allows Holland to arrange as it its a big band at times but then have a more personal setting and highlight his amazing personnel. The only complaint I might have is that you end up wanting more. Each member is kind of showcased on only one or two songs. I got it this morning (day it came out) already listened through twice. Great album.